Lampard Inquiry May Issue Early Recommendations on Patient Safety

The chair of a public inquiry examining the deaths of more than 2,000 individuals under the care of Essex mental health services has indicated that early recommendations may be issued if findings reveal issues posing an urgent risk to patient safety.

Baroness Kate Lampard, leading the inquiry, stated that interim recommendations would be considered for issues that might impact patient safety across the country. These potential recommendations are expected to address inpatient safety, including resuscitation procedures and monitoring technologies used to detect patients in distress.

The Lampard Inquiry is reviewing deaths that occurred between 2000 and the end of 2023. Further evidence will be heard in hearings commencing October 5, before a decision is made on whether to issue recommendations ahead of a final report.

One technology under scrutiny is Oxevision, a system that uses infrared sensors and cameras to monitor patients in their rooms, recording breathing and pulse rates. This technology is employed by several NHS mental health trusts in England. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy, dignity, and whether such technology could replace essential human interaction and face-to-face care.

Tammy Smith, whose daughter Sophie Alderman died in 2022, expressed to the inquiry that technologies like Oxevision could reduce crucial human interaction during vulnerable moments. "They need those conversations. They need someone to ask, 'Are you OK? Do you need anything?' We all need that," she stated.

LIO Health, the company behind Oxevision, asserts that the technology aids in preventing serious incidents, supports staff in delivering care, and reduces administrative tasks. NHS England has stated that any vision-based monitoring technology must align with a human rights-based approach to care and be implemented in accordance with legal requirements and patient consent.

Baroness Lampard noted that the identified issues are not unique to Essex and therefore the evidence presented could have national implications for mental health service providers across England, potentially affecting care and treatment on all mental health units.

The inquiry is scheduled to hear from representatives of NHS England, the Care Quality Commission, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency during hearings from October 5 to October 15. These sessions will be held at Chelmsford Civic Centre.

Following these hearings, families will have the opportunity to provide feedback on potential recommendations during a virtual meeting on October 20. Subsequently, Baroness Lampard will determine whether interim recommendations should be issued.

The final report of the inquiry, anticipated to have broad implications for mental health services nationwide, is not expected until 2028.